The Municipality of Brdovec is a municipality in Zagreb County, Croatia. When searching for a holiday apartment, you can start by deciding what matters most to you: cultural history, grape-harvesting traditions or outdoor activities. There is plenty to explore, from the Muzej Brdovec and historic palaces to cycling routes and motocross.
Museum, architecture and local history
The Muzej Brdovec was founded in 1973 as a local history museum. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography and cultural history. The museum’s research area extends between the western foothills of the Medvednica range and the Sutla River on the border with Slovenia. The three collection areas offer different ways to explore the history of this region.
The museum building is also part of the cultural heritage: it is an early 20th-century house in the Secession style, protected as a cultural asset together with its grounds. Muzej Brdovec also took part in the completed “Buna / Upor / Revolt 1573–2023” project. The programme included exhibitions, lectures, workshops, guided visits and an excursion to the Peasants’ Revolt. These activities were part of this historical project, not an ongoing events calendar.
Januševec Palace is a Category 0 monument. It was built around 1830 for Baron Josip Vrkljan and is described as the finest achievement of Neoclassical architecture in Croatia. The palace was restored between 1947 and 1989; part of the Croatian State Archives was also housed there. These details refer to the building’s former use.
The Vranyczany-Dobrinović Palace and its park in Laduč lie between the Sava Plain and the southern slopes of the Marija-Gorica Hills. The estate is documented as a noble residence in the 17th century. The Parish of Brdovec offers another perspective on church history: founded in 1334, it is one of the oldest parishes in the Archdiocese of Zagreb. The former parish seat was on a hill, where the Chapel of the Holy Cross still stands. It is now part of the Parish of Marija Gorica.
Cycling, grape harvest and outdoor activities
The municipal tourism programme lists horseback riding, fishing, cycling, walking and motocross as outdoor activities. The availability of providers for specific activities may change. Motocross tracks are listed at Pepačev brijeg in Prigorje Brdovečko and in Ključ Brdovečki. National and international competitions take place there; if a competition is important to your plans, check the latest dates.
Three cycling routes pass through Brdovec, Marija Gorica and Dubravica; two connect with routes in Zagorje. The routes provide a regional cycling network that crosses municipal boundaries. Check in advance which connections and conditions are relevant to your ride.
The grape-harvesting tradition includes the recurring event “Kak su brali naši stari”, associated with Brdovec, Dubravica and Marija Gorica. The programme features horse-drawn carts, traditional costumes, traditional food and drink, and grape harvesting and pressing in the old style. Udruga Trsek is also connected with local wine: its members produce traditional wines, and the association organises tastings and the annual Vincekovo celebration. Check event dates in advance. KUD Januševec preserves local songs, dances, costumes and customs.
Landscape and location
The northern part of the municipality consists of gentle hills with forests and vineyards, as well as landscaped properties with numerous weekend homes. The Sutla Natura 2000 site extends across Brdovec, Marija Gorica and Dubravica. Zaprešić, east of the municipality, is considered the nearest neighbouring town.
Understanding rail connections
A municipal document from 2010 lists 202 stops on suburban rail line II in Donji Laduč, Ključ and Harmica. Savski Marof railway station is also in Prigorje Brdovečko; stops are located in Ključ Brdovečki and Brdovec. Since stop patterns and passenger services can change, check the current timetable before travelling. This helps ensure your travel plans are based on the connections that are actually relevant for your travel dates.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Zdenci Brdovečki, Gornji Laduč, Municipality of Pokupsko, Municipality of Dubrava, Municipality of Pušća, Municipality of Dubravica, Municipality of Žumberak, Municipality of Kloštar Ivanić.
Go to the broader travel overview: Zagreb County.
